Blume Ventures partner Arpit Agarwal talks about his journey into venture capital, his investing approach and why deep tech has a long way to go before breaking out in India.
While AI dominated September’s deal activity, it shared space with a pickle brand, non-toxic cookware, quick-commerce pharmacies, zero-inventory fresh produce, fintech, ecommerce, and ayurvedic wellness. It’s a reminder of how distinct and delightfully unpredictable India’s venture landscape can be. Here’s a look at the key themes that defined India-focused and India-linked venture capital dealmaking in September.
India’s largest homegrown private equity (PE) firm acquired nearly 90% of Theobroma for a reported Rs 2,410 crore in July this year, marking its first buyout in the consumer sector. Buyouts – acquiring control stakes – are a big focus for the record $2 billion+ new fund it is currently raising.
With nearly $3 billion raised by India-specific venture capital funds since January this year – well past the total capital raised in all of 2024 – it’s easy to assume that venture capital in India has emerged from the downturn that ravaged the ecosystem for nearly two years. But zoom out and the reality is quite different, even sobering.